as someone who uses EDI regularly (as a pax) I wholeheartedly agree with the comments re the terminal, ‘though it was lovely to use during covid when it was pretty empty!

Wasn't there a significant extension just before Covid?

Not only is it a 1977 terminal with bits added on, but it also doesn't even have modern-day features you'd expect from a nation's principal airport, especially one as busy and well connected as EDI. For example, it lacks any international to international transit, requiring all arrivals to clear UK immigration, even those with no desire to visit The UK. There is no duty-free on arrival or indeed any dedicated security lane for transit passengers...or staff! The departure lounge isn't even set up to cater to such passengers. The airport also has an overreliance on remote stands being used at peak times. The access roads to the terminal are so bad it really is like some kind of parody. There is no excuse for any of this other sheer laziness or incompetence. A whole new terminal should have been built a decade or so ago, instead of the half-hearted Pier, and then the even less inspiring Eastern extension, which does barely anything to address the congestion issues the airport is rife with. It seems the BAA mentality is just set to continue at EDI for some time to come.

It did add a new international arrivals hall and some jetties for wide-body aircraft, but it all looks very rushed and cheap with roofs and wiring being left exposed and it feels extremely unwelcoming. The seating areas at the gates are not big enough for the aircraft they were built to serve and there is often overcrowding at the lounges in the new area. Not to mention, the old EDI problem of one gate being used for 2 stands, and corridors having to be closed off to allow for bussed-in arrivals, so departing and arriving passengers don't mix still exist and It still suffers from passengers being held in damp, cold tunnels at busy times. They had a blank slate and the best they could come up with is still not fit for purpose, to be honest.

The new international arrivals hall was always supposed to be temporary I thought until the next phase of expansion takes place - building out east and then south-east.

Covid delayed that expansion but I imagine it is probably back on the cards again. They are definitely going to need more stands for wide bodies given the time some aircraft waited for a stand this summer.

I think the team at EDI have done a fantastic job growing the portfolio of routes and establishing EDI as the main Scottish airport and often they do not get enough credit for that however they must now address the infrastructure properly.

I agree with what others have said re the current terminal and set up. It really isn’t big enough, set up or well enough equipped to cope with the current portfolio of routes and the likelihood of more long haul routes. The expected return of emirates with a 773 will also add to the pressures. The current pier could be extended further and more air bridges added to accommodate wide body aircraft. They also have the option of a brand new satellite type building to the east. This would obviously come at a huge cost and would require underground access for pax, possibly with a transit train. Like many American airports have. The current owners haven’t hidden their desire to sell if the price is right. Pre pandemic they were actively marketing a sale. Substantial investment is needed to take the airport to the next level. Hopefully exciting times ahead.

Can't disagree with any of the comments there. The other thing I'd add is that an expansion of the check in area is badly needed. I find it incredibly crowded during peak periods with lines out the door in some cases.

They've managed to use every square metre they can with the current setup but I don't see where else they can expand to with the current space available. Pretty much whole ground floor is full of check in desks now.

The number of people making an international to international connection at Edinburgh must be a vanishingly small proportion of the overall total number of passengers. Facilitating that connection would require some form of passageway to connect the two passport control points with the security screening area or additional security screening areas. Neither easy nor cheap to do and for very little return.

A planning application for a new access road is with the Scottish Government for determination.

A new terminal would be hugely expensive and disruptive. Perhaps the lack of things you cite above doesn't arise from "sheer laziness or incompetence" but from a hard-headed analysis of costs versus expected returns?

Spending somebody elses money is dead easy. As soon as you see phrases like "doesn't even have modern-day features you'd expect from a nation's principal airport" you know where it's going...

…..please enlighten me…..where is it going? 😉

If by vanishingly small, you mean non existent. EDI isn't a transfer airport, and none of the international airlines flying there offer transfers. It really isn't something the airport should be concerning themselves with.

Edinburgh Airport was bought out by an infrastructure company, with the explicit aim of growing the airport and selling it on for a profit. This was clear from the start. For any such plan to work, they need to grow the number of flights for minimum expenditure. This is exactly what they have done.

If they sell it on.. the new owners are going to want to recoup their money as quick as possible, which means further growth and minimal expenditure.

Don't expect the terminal situation to change any time soon. Any owners are only going to be interested in the short term.

I chose the phrase "vanishingly small" rather than non-existent deliberately. At least one of the international airlines serving EDI offers it as a connecting point: KLM will sell an AMS-FAE route via EDI.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....e7c992cb03.png

And I've heard of someone flying from Iceland to the Canary Islands using easyjet

Qatar W22

Qatar really mixing up the type of aircraft being used. Another 351 due in tomorrow. The previously planned 787-8 only from October also changed. 359 continues throughout the winter on many dates. Occasional 787-8 and quite a few 789’s. A few of the 359’s operating is newer cabin Q-suites. A nice little bonus if you happen to be sitting up front.

Delta S23

Atlanta route now on sale.

Although subject to change, Delta using higher density J class 763 on BOS and JFK routes next summer. 10 more J seats than on 763 currently being used. Premium select not offered on this variant. An indication that J class performed very strongly in S22? They normally operate higher density premium cabin equipment on routes such as LHR.

J- 36
Comfort plus - 34
Economy - 143
Total - 213

For ATL, DL using same configured 763 currently serving existing routes.

J - 26
Comfort plus - 35
Economy - 171
Total - 232

Premium Select configured equipment still being used on JFK route - W22.

First time visitor to EDI. A 773 operating tomorrows services (27/9). Student demand? The return EDI-DOH on QR website is showing as sold out. I know they swap equipment around for various reasons, but is demand so high that they can fill a 773 on a Tuesday?

Today’s A350-1000 outbound sector was cancelled so could be something to do with it

Today's outbound was cancelled, so the 773 will be to accommodate some of today's passengers.

[QUOTE=tartan 201;11303179]Today's outbound was cancelled, so the 773 will be to accommodate some of today's passengers.

Makes sense. Thanks. I assume the 359 went tech?